When Muffins are life

         "There is no sadness that a freshly baked muffin can't cure."

      

    I truly believe there is no sadness a freshly baked muffin can't cure...especially this muffin.  I came across a recipe for apple cinnamon muffins last autumn and decided to invent my own recipe.  And thus, these Apple Cinnamon Crunch muffins with caramel drizzle were created. Cinnamon is my favorite spice and one of my most favorite smells and these muffins smelled amazing while baking!

 Apple Cinnamon Crunch Muffins

                 For the muffins:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup finely chopped Granny Smith apple (or any apples you have on hand, although the tartness of Granny Smith works well here)
• 2 Tbsp caramel sauce, plus more for drizzle 

             For the topping:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1 Tbsp butter, softened

Instructions:       

For the topping:

1. Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Set aside.

For the muffins:

1. Finely chop your apples and place them in a ziplock bag with the 2 tablespoons of caramel, mixing up to coat the apples.  You can also add a little cinnamon to the mixture if you like.  Let the apples soak in the caramel sauce for at least a half hour.
2. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Make a well in the center.  Beat egg, milk, and oil in a small bowl.  Add the caramel soaked apples and stir together.  Pour into the well and stir just until moistened.
3. Grease 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.  Fill cups 3/4 full.  Sprinkle topping over batter in each cup.
4. Bake at 400 degrees Farenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let stand 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.
5. You can let your muffins cool completely before placing your caramel drizzle on top, or you can drizzle them while they're still warm and let that caramel sauce melt down into your muffins for even more flavor!

                                                                            All my love,

                                                                                  The Brunette in the Kitchen